Artang advanced to the Final of the 5th Mokokchung Inter-ward Football Tournament 2024, defeating Mongsenbai in the first Semifinal match played on March 20. The anticipation now lies with whom they will face: Arkong or Sungkomen in the Final.
The match witnessed an intense battle, with both Artang and Mongsenbai dominating in attacking plays, ball possession, and attempts to score. However, neither team managed to score in the first half.
In the second half, both teams showcased excellent ball possession until Tongpangnokdang (Jersey no. 10) from Artang broke the deadlock, scoring the first goal in the 59th minute, sending the crowd and supporters into a frenzy. Just five minutes later, Chubalemba (Jersey no.11) extended Artang’s lead with the second goal in the 64th minute, igniting celebrations. Despite feeling defeated, Mongsenbai showed determination and managed to score two goals of their own, with Imnatoshi (Jersey no. 12) finding the net in the 69th and 77th minutes, equalizing the score at 2-2 until the end of regulation time of 90 minutes and additional time of 3 minutes.
With no winner determined in extra time of another 10+10 minutes, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. Although all players from both teams successfully converted their penalties, Artang emerged victorious with a 7-6 margin, as one of Mongsenbai’s penalties was saved by Artang’s keeper.
The match was officiated by Temjenwapang as the main Referee, with Achi and Sashi serving as Assistant Referees, and Repa as the Fourth Official. Yellow cards were issued to players from both teams, with Tialong, Limajungshi, and Akumjungshi cautioned for Artang, and Nungcheter cautioned for Mongsenbai.
Mokokchung, 5th Mokokchung Inter-ward Football Tournament 2024
Earlier, Limanungsang, President of the All Ward Union, Mokokchung Town, served as the Match Patron for the first Semifinal match today. He commended the Marepkong Youth Association for organizing the tournament and encouraged them to uplift it further. Limanungsang emphasized the tournament’s role in nurturing talent and promoting sportsmanship, suggesting that teams be selected to participate in future tournaments. He also highlighted the employment opportunities and government job prospects sports can offer, urging the youth to seize them.
The second Semifinal match between Arkong and Sungkomen is scheduled for tomorrow, March 20, at 2:00 PM, with Ojenlepzuk, Chairman Majakong Ward, serving as the Match Patron. Semifinal tickets are priced at 50 rupees per person.
The closing program and the final match of the 5th Mokokchung Inter-ward Football Tournament 2024, organized by the Marepkong Youth Association, will take place on March 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.
